Georgia Labor Commissioner Mark Butler said Thursday that Southwest Georgia’s unemployment rate significantly decreased by 1.5 percentage points in October. 

Additionally, Southwest Georgia saw a monthly increase in both labor force and employment for October. 

“In October, every region and county saw unemployment rates dramatically decrease, including some areas that dropped to pre-pandemic numbers, demonstrating how strong our economy was across the state prior to the crisis and how we are successfully recovering,” said Commissioner of Labor Mark Butler.  “We have a significant number of jobs available on EmployGeorgia from all parts of the state for those looking for new career opportunities.  Filling these jobs will be critical for continuing the growth we need to progress economically.” 

In Southwest Georgia, the unemployment rate decreased by 1.5 percentage points, dropping the rate to 4.7 percent. A year ago, the rate was 3.6 percent. 

The labor force increased in October by 5,428. The October total was 146,156. That number is down by 1,479 from the total from October 2019.

Southwest Georgia ended October with 139,286 employed residents.  The number increased by 7,347 in October but was down 3,021 as compared to last year.

Initial claims for unemployment increased by 3 percent in October. When compared to last October, claims were up by about 759 percent.

The GDOL’s online job listing service at employgeorgia.com showed 2,425 active job postings in Southwest Georgia for October.